Non-burning type flavor inhaler and method used for non-burning type flavor inhaler

ABSTRACT

A non-burning type flavor inhaler includes a control unit that controls power supplied from a power source to an atomizer. The control unit controls, in one puff action in a standard mode, controls the power source to supply standard power amount to the atomizer in a duration before a first duration elapses. The control unit, in one puff action in the reduced mode, controls the power source to supply first power amount greater than the standard power amount to the atomizer in a duration before a second duration elapses, and controls the power source to supply second power amount smaller than the first power amount to the atomizer in a duration after the second duration elapses and before a third duration elapses.

This application is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 15/084,204filed on Mar. 29, 2016, which was a continuation of PCT InternationalApplication No. PCT/JP2014/075539 filed on Sep. 25, 2014 which claimspriority under U.S.C. § 119(a) to Patent Application No. 2013-204196,filed in Japan on Sep. 30, 2013, all of which are hereby expresslyincorporated by reference into the present application.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a non-burning type flavor inhalerhaving a shape extending from a non-inhalation end toward an inhalationend along a predetermined direction.

BACKGROUND ART

A non-burning type flavor inhaler for inhaling flavor without burninghas been known. The non-burning type flavor inhaler has a shapeextending from a non-inhalation end toward an inhalation end along apredetermined direction. The non-burning type flavor inhaler comprisesan aerosol source for generating an aerosol, a heat source for heatingthe aerosol source without burning, and a power source for supplyingpower to the heat source (for example, Patent Literature 1).

As a puff action of inhaling an aerosol is different for each user, ithas been studied to make the amount of inhaled aerosol (TPM: TotalParticulate Matter) in one puff action constant. For example, atechnique to keep a temperature of a heat source constant by controllingpower supplied to a heat source (voltage applied to a heat source) inone puff action has been proposed (for example, Patent Literatures 2 and3). Such a technique suppresses a variation in the amount of inhaledaerosol between puff actions.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: Japanese PCT National Publication No. 2010-506594

Patent Literature 2: International Publication No. 2013/060781

Patent Literature 3: International Publication No. 2013/060784

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first feature is summarized as a non-burning type flavor inhalerhaving a shape extending from a non-inhalation end toward an inhalationend along a predetermined direction, comprising: an aerosol source thatgenerates an aerosol; an atomizer that atomizes the aerosol sourcewithout burning; a power source that supplies power to the atomizer; anda control unit that controls a power amount supplied from the powersource to the atomizer, wherein the control unit controls a standardmode to be applied to an user whose required time for one puff actionfor inhaling the aerosol is within a standard required time duration,and a reduced mode to be applied to an user whose required time for onepuff action for inhaling the aerosol is shorter than the standardrequired time duration, the control unit, in one puff action in thestandard mode, controls the power source to supply standard power amountto the atomizer in a duration before a first duration elapses, andcontrols the power source to supply power smaller than the standardpower amount to the atomizer in a duration after the first durationelapses, and the control unit, in one puff action in the reduced mode,controls the power source to supply first power amount greater than thestandard power amount to the atomizer in a duration before a secondduration elapses, and controls the power source to supply second poweramount smaller than the first power amount to the atomizer in a durationafter the second duration elapses and before a third duration elapses,and controls the power source to supply power smaller than the secondpower amount to the atomizer in a duration after the third durationelapses.

A second feature according to the first feature is summarized as thatthe second duration is shorter than the first duration.

A third feature according to any one of the first and second features issummarized as that the control unit sets the standard mode or thereduced mode according to a learning of the puff action.

A fourth feature according to any one of the first and second featuresis summarized as that the control unit sets the standard mode or thereduced mode according to an operation of a user.

A fifth feature according to any one of the first to fourth features issummarized as that the control unit controls the light-emitting elementin a first light-emitting mode in a puff state inhaling the aerosol, andcontrols the light-emitting element in a second light-emitting modedifferent from the first light-emitting mode in a non-puff state notinhaling the aerosol, and the control unit continues the firstlight-emitting mode even in the duration after the first durationelapses or in the duration after the third duration elapses.

A sixth feature according to any one of the first to fourth features issummarized as that the atomizer is a heat source that heats the aerosolsource without burning.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a non-burning type flavor inhaler 100according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an atomizing unit 120 according to a firstembodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control circuit 50 according to afirst embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a light-emitting modeaccording to a first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a light-emitting modeaccording to a first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of power control in a puff actionseries according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of power control in a puff actionseries according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of power control in one puffaction according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of power control in one puffaction according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of power control in a puffaction series according to a modification 1.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of power control in a puffaction series according to a modification 2.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. Inthe following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts aredenoted by the same or similar reference numerals. It is noted that thedrawings are schematic, and the ratios of dimensions and the like aredifferent from the actual ones.

Therefore, specific dimensions and the like should be determined byreferring to the following description. Of course, the drawings includethe parts with different dimensions and ratios.

Overview of Embodiment

As a result of extensive studies, the inventors focus attention on thepoint that the amount of aerosol per unit time is different in one puffaction at a constant power supplied to a heat source. Especially, onepuff action can be divided into an initial interval, a middle intervaland an end interval. In the initial interval, a heat source is notheated to a sufficiently high temperature, the amount of aerosol perunit time is a little, and the efficiency of aerosol amount is low withrespect to the voltage supplied to a heat source. In the middleinterval, a heat source has been heated to a sufficiently hightemperature, the amount of aerosol per unit time is much, and theefficiency of aerosol amount is high with respect to the voltagesupplied to a heat source. In the end interval, a heat source isoverheated, and a speed of generating an aerosol near a heat source (aspeed of consuming an aerosol source near a heat source) is high withrespect to a speed of supplying an aerosol source to the vicinity of aheat source. Therefore, in the end interval, the amount of aerosol perunit time decreases, and the efficiency of aerosol amount is loweredwith respect to the voltage supplied to the heat source.

Therefore, a user whose required time for one puff action is shortcannot inhale sufficient aerosol, and feels low satisfaction. On theother hand, a user whose required time for one puff action is long caninhale an aerosol even in an interval with small amount of aerosolgenerated per unit time, and feels lowed taste.

A non-burning type flavor inhaler according to an embodiment has a shapeextending from a non-inhalation end toward an inhalation end along apredetermined direction. The non-burning type flavor inhaler comprisesan aerosol source that generates an aerosol, an atomizer that atomizesthe aerosol source without burning, a power source that supplies powerto the atomizer, and a control unit that controls power supplied fromthe power source to the atomizer. The control unit controls a standardmode to be applied to a user whose required time for one puff action forinhaling the aerosol is within a standard required time duration, and areduced mode to be applied to a user whose required time for one puffaction for inhaling the aerosol is shorter than the standard requiredtime duration. The control unit, in one puff action in the standardmode, controls the power source to supply standard power amount to theatomizer in a duration before a first duration elapses, and controls thepower source to supply power smaller than the standard power amount tothe atomizer in a duration after the first duration elapses. The controlunit, in one puff action in the reduced mode, controls the power sourceto supply first power amount greater than the standard power amount tothe atomizer in a duration before a second duration elapses, andcontrols the power source to supply second power amount smaller than thefirst power amount to the atomizer in a duration after the secondduration elapses and before a third duration elapses, and controls thepower source to supply power smaller than the second power amount to theatomizer in a duration after the third duration elapses.

In the embodiment, as the reduced mode is used, even such a user whoserequired time for one puff action is shorter than the standard requiredtime can increase satisfaction by increasing a temperature of theatomizer faster than in the standard mode. Regardless of an operationmode, as the power supplied to the atomizer is decreased in an intervalafter the second time elapses, it is possible to suppress inhalation ofdecomposed substance and degradation of inhaling taste.

In the embodiment, a predetermined operation mode (standard mode andreduced mode) is prepared, and it is sufficient to control the powersupplied to the atomizer according to the predetermined operation mode.Thus, a complex control that continues controlling the amount of suchpower based on the airflow (amount of inhalation) is not necessary whilethe power is being supplied to the atomizer. In other words, it ispossible to reduce lowering of taste and realize increased satisfactiondegree of a user with a simple configuration.

First Embodiment

(Non-Burning Type Flavor Inhaler)

Hereinafter, a non-burning type flavor inhaler according to a firstembodiment will be explained. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a non-burningtype flavor inhaler 100 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is adiagram showing an atomizing unit 120 according to a first embodiment.

In the first embodiment, the non-burning type flavor inhaler 100 is adevice for inhaling flavor without burning, and has a shape extendingalong a predetermined direction A that is a direction from anon-inhalation end toward an inhalation end.

As showed in FIG. 1, the non-burning type flavor inhaler 100 comprisesan electrical unit 110 and an atomizing unit 120. The electrical unit110 has a female connector 111 in a part adjacent to the atomizing unit120. The atomizing unit 120 has a male connector 121 in a part adjacentto the electrical unit 110. The female connector 111 has a spiral grooveextending along a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction A.The male connector 121 has a spiral projection extending along adirection orthogonal to the predetermined direction A. By screwing themale connector 121 into the female connector 111, the atomizing unit 120and the electrical unit 110 are connected each other. The atomizing unit120 is configured to be attachable/detachable to/from the electricalunit 110.

The electrical unit 110 comprises a power source 10, a sensor 20, apushbutton 30, a light-emitting element 40 and a control circuit 50.

The power source 10 is a lithium-ion battery, for example. The powersource 10 supplies power required for operating the non-burning typeflavor inhaler 100. For example, the power source 10 supplies power tothe sensor 20, the light-emitting element 40 and the control circuit 50.Further, the power source 10 applies power to a heat source 80 describedlater.

The sensor 20 detects a wind pressure generated by a user's inhalingaction. Specifically, the sensor 20 detects a negative pressure when theair is inhaled toward the atomizing unit 120. The sensor 20 is notparticularly limited, but may be composed of a piezoelectric element.

The pushbutton 30 is configured to be pressed into the inhalation endside along the predetermined direction A. For example, by apredetermined action of the pushbutton 30 (i.e. an action forcontinuously pressing the pushbutton 30 over a predetermined number oftimes), the power of the non-burning type flavor inhaler 100 is turnedon. When the power of the non-burning type flavor inhaler 100 is turnedon, the power is supplied to the control circuit 50 from the powersource 10 and the power is supplied to the sensor 20 and light-emittingelement 40 from the power source 10 via the control circuit 50. Notethat the power supply to the heater 80 is performed when the power isturned on and also the user's inhaling action is detected by the sensor20. That is, the power supply to the heater 80 is not performed in anon-inhalation state that the aerosol is not inhaled.

Moreover, by a predetermined action of the pushbutton 30 (i.e. an actionfor long press of the pushbutton 30), the power of the non-burning typeflavor inhaler 100 may be turned off. Since the power of the non-burningtype flavor inhaler 100 is turned off by the predetermined action of thepushbutton 30, consumption power can be decreased when the non-burningtype flavor inhaler 100 is not used.

The push button 30 may be a configuration for performing at least one ofturning on or turning off the power of the non-burning type flavorinhaler 100.

The light-emitting element 40 is a light source such as an LED and anelectric lamp. The light-emitting element 40 is provided on a sidewallextending along a predetermined direction. The light-emitting element 40is preferably provided in the vicinity of the non-inhalation end. Thus,compared with a case where a light-emitting element is provided in thevicinity of the non-inhalation end on an axial line in the predetermineddirection A, a user can easily recognize a light-emitting pattern of thelight-emitting element 40 during an inhalation action. A light-emittingpattern of the light-emitting element 40 is a pattern to notify a userof a state of the non-burning type flavor inhaler 100.

The control circuit 50 controls the operation of the non-burning typeflavor inhaler 100. In particular, the control circuit 50 controls alight-emitting pattern of the light-emitting element 40, and controlspower amount supplied to a heat source 80.

The atomizing unit 120 comprises, as showed in FIG. 2, a holder 60, anabsorber 70, a heat source 80 and a breaker 90. The atomizing unit 120comprises a capsule unit 130 and an inhalation unit 140. The atomizingunit 120 has an air inlet hole 125 for taking outside air inside, anairflow path 122 that communicates with the electrical unit 110 (sensor20) via the male connector 121, and a ceramic 123 that is arranged in acylindrical shape. The atomizing unit 120 has a cylindrical outer wall124 forming the outer shape of the atomizing unit 120. A spacesurrounded by the ceramic 123 forms an airflow path. The ceramic 123contains alumina, for example, as a main component.

The holder 60 has a cylindrical shape, and holds the aerosol source forgenerating aerosol. The aerosol source is liquid such as propyleneglycol and glycerin. The holder 60 is composed of a porous bodyimpregnated with an aerosol source, for example. The porous body is aresin web, for example.

Further, in the first embodiment, the ceramic 123 is arranged inside theholder 60, suppressing volatilization of the aerosol source held by theholder 60.

The absorber 70 is provided adjacent to the holder 60, and is composedof a substance to absorb the aerosol source from the holder 60. Theabsorber 70 is made of glass fiber, for example.

The heat source 80 heats the aerosol source without burning. Forexample, the heat source 80 is a heating wire wound around the absorber70. The heat source 80 heats the aerosol source absorbed by the absorber70.

The breaker 90 is a member for breaking a part of predetermined film 133in the state that the capsule unit 130 is mounted. In the embodiment,the breaker 90 is held by a partition member 126 for partitioning theatomizing unit 120 and the capsule unit 130. The partition member 126 ismade of Polyacetal resin. The breaker 90 is a hollow cylindrical needleextending along a predetermined direction A, for example. By piercing atip of the hollow needle into a predetermined film 133, a part of thepredetermined film 133 is broken. Further, an inner space of the hollowneedle forms an airflow path that communicates pneumatically theatomizing unit 120 with the capsule unit 130. It is preferable that amesh having a roughness of not passing a material composing the flavorsource 131 is provided inside the hollow needle. The roughness of themesh is 80 meshes or more and 200 meshes or less, for example.

In such a case, the insertion depth of the hollow needle into thecapsule unit 130 is preferably 1.0 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less, morepreferably, 2.0 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less. At this insertion depth,the parts except a desired portion are not broken, suppressingdetachment of the flavor source 131 filled in the space which ispartitioned by the predetermined film 133 and the filter 132.Furthermore, since the detachment of the hollow needle from the space issuppressed, a proper airflow path to the filter 132 from the hollowneedle can be preferably maintained.

In a vertical section with respect to the predetermined direction A, asectional area of a vertical needle is preferably 2.0 mm² or more and3.0 mm² or less. Thus, the flavor source 131 is prevented from fallingoff the capsule unit 130 when the hollow needle is removed.

The tip of the hollow needle preferable has an inclination of 30° ormore and 45° or less with respect to the vertical direction to thepredetermined direction A.

However, the embodiment is not limited to this. The breaker 90 may be apart adjacent to the predetermined film 133 in a state that the capsuleunit 130 is mounted. A part of the predetermined film 133 may be brokenby a pressure applied to such a part by a user.

The capsule unit 130 is configured to be attachable/detachable to/fromthe main body unit. The capsule unit 130 comprises a flavor source 131,a filter 132, and a predetermined film 133. The flavor source 131 isfilled in a space partitioned by the predetermined film 133 and thefilter 132. The main body unit is a unit that is composed of parts otherexcept the capsule unit 130. For example, the main body unit includesthe electrical unit 110, the holder 60, the absorber 70 and the heatsource 80.

The flavor source 131 is provided on the inhalation end side than theholder 60 holding the aerosol source, and generates flavor inhaled by auser together with aerosol generated by the aerosol source. It is notedthat the flavor source 131 is composed of a solid substance so as not toflow out of the space partitioned by the predetermined film 133 and thefilter 132. As a flavor source 131, it is possible to use shreddedtobacco, a molded body of granulated tobacco material, and a molded bodyformed into a sheet tobacco material. The flavor source 131 may becomposed of a plant other than tobacco (for example, mint, herbs, andthe like). The flavor source 131 may be given flavors such as menthol.

When the flavor source 131 is composed of tobacco material, as thetobacco material is apart from the heat source 80, it is possible toinhale the flavor without heating the tobacco material. In other words,it is noted that inhalation of unwanted substance generated by heatingthe tobacco material is suppressed.

In the first embodiment, the amount of the flavor source 131 filled inthe space partitioned by the filter 132 and the predetermined film 133is preferably 0.15 g/cc or more and 1.00 g/cc or less. The volumeoccupancy of the flavor source 131 in the space partitioned by thefilter 132 and the predetermined film 133 is preferably 50% or more and100% or less. The volume of the space partitioned by the filter 132 andthe predetermined film 133 is preferably 0.6 ml or more and 1.5 ml orless. In such conditions, the flavor source 131 can be contained to theextent enough to enable a user to taste flavor while maintaining anappropriate size of the capsule unit 130.

In the state where a part of the predetermined film 133 is broken by thebreaker 90 and where the atomizing unit 120 communicates with thecapsule unit 130, when air is inhaled from a tip portion (non-brokenportion) of the capsule unit 130 to a distal end of the filter 132 at aflow rate of 1050 cc/min, an airflow resistance (pressure loss) of thecapsule unit 130 is preferably 10 mmAq or more and 100 mmAq or less, asa whole, more preferably, 20 mmAq or more and 90 mmAq or less. Bysetting the airflow resistance of the flavor source 131 to the abovepreferable range, aerosol is prevented from being overly filtered by theflavor source 131, and thus flavor can be efficiently supplied to auser. Incidentally, 1 mmAq corresponds to 9.80665 Pa, and the airflowresistance can be expressed by Pa.

The filter 132 is adjacent to the inhalation end side with respect tothe flavor source 131, and is composed of a permeable substance. Thefilter 132 is preferably an acetate filter, for example. The filter 132preferably has roughness of a degree not to pass through a materialconstituting the flavor source 131.

An airflow resistance of the filter 132 is preferably 5 mmAq or more and20 mmAq or less. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently pass throughaerosol while efficiently absorbing a vapor component generated by theflavor source 131, and thus proper flavor can be supplied to a user.Further, it is possible to give a user an appropriate feeling of airresistance.

A ratio (mass ratio) between the mass of the flavor source 131 and themass of the filter 132 is preferably in a range of 3:1 to 20:1, morepreferably, in a range of 4:1 to 6:1.

The predetermined film 133 is formed integrally with the filter 132, andis composed of impermeable material. The predetermined film 133 covers apart of the outer surface of the flavor source 131 except a portionadjacent to the filter 132. The predetermined film 133 includes at leastone compound selected from a group consisting of gelatin, polypropyleneand polyethylene terephthalate. Gelatin, polypropylene, polyethylene andpolyethylene terephthalate are not permeable, and suitable for forming athin film. Gelatin, polypropylene, polyethylene and polyethyleneterephthalate provide a sufficient resistance to moisture contained inthe flavor source 131. Polypropylene, polyethylene and polyethyleneterephthalate are especially excellent in a water resistance. Further,gelatin, polypropylene and polyethylene have a base resistance, and arethus hardly degraded by a basic component, even when the flavor source131 has a basic component.

A thickness of the predetermined film 133 is preferably 0.1 μm or moreand 0.3 μm or less. Accordingly, it is possible to easily break a partof the predetermined film 133 while maintaining a function of protectingthe flavor source 131 by the predetermined film 133.

As described above, although the predetermined film 133 is formedintegrally with the filter 132, the predetermined film 133 is bonded tothe filter 132 by paste or the like. Or, by setting the outer shape ofthe predetermined film 133 smaller than that of the filter 132 in thevertical direction with respect to the predetermined direction A, thefilter 132 may be stuffed into the predetermined film 133 and may befitted into the predetermined film 133 by an expansion force of thefilter 132. Alternatively, the filter 132 may be provided with anengagement part for engaging the predetermined film 133.

A shape of the predetermined film 133 is not particularly limited, butpreferably has a concave shape in the vertical cross-section withrespect to the predetermined direction A. In such a case, after fillingthe flavor source 131 inside the predetermined film 133 having theconcave shape, an opening of the predetermined film 133 filled with theflavor source 131 is closed by the filter 132.

When the predetermined film 133 has the concave shape in the verticalcross-section with respect to the predetermined direction A, a maximumsectional area (i.e., a sectional area of an opening in which the filter132 is fitted) of the sectional area of the space surrounded by thepredetermined film 133, is preferably 25 mm² or more and 80 mm² or less,more preferably, 25 mm² or more and 55 mm² or less. In such a case, inthe vertical cross-section with respect to the predetermined directionA, a sectional area of the filter 132 is preferably 25 mm² or more and55 mm² or less. A thickness of the filter 132 in the predetermineddirection A is preferably 3.0 mm or more and 7.0 mm or less.

The inhalation unit 140 has an inhalation hole 141. The inhalation hole141 is an opening to expose the filter 132. A user inhales flavortogether with aerosol by inhaling aerosol through the inhalation hole141.

In the first embodiment, the inhalation unit 140 is configured to beattachable/detachable to/from the outer wall 124 of the atomizing unit120. For example, the inhalation unit 140 has a cup shape configured tobe fitted to an inner surface of the outer wall 124. However, theembodiment is not limited to this. The inhalation unit 140 may beattached rotatably to the outer wall 124 with a hinge or the like.

In the first embodiment, the inhalation unit 140 is provided separatelyfrom the capsule unit 130. In other words, the inhalation unit 140constitutes a part of the main body unit. However, the embodiment is notlimited to this. The inhalation unit 140 may be provided integrally withthe capsule unit 130. In such a case, it is noted that the inhalationunit 140 constitutes a part of the capsule unit 130.

(Control Circuit)

Hereinafter, a control circuit according to a first embodiment will beexplained. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control circuit 50according to a first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control circuit 50 comprises a puff detector 51,a light-emitting element control unit 52, and a heat source control unit53.

The puff detector 51 is connected to a sensor 20 that detects a windpressure generated by an inhalation behavior of a user. The puffdetector 51 detects a puff state based on the detection results of thesensor 20 (e.g., a negative pressure within the non-burning type flavorinhaler 100). Especially, the puff detector 51 detects a puff stateinhaling an aerosol and a non-puff state not inhaling an aerosol. Thus,the puff detector 51 can specify the number of puff actions of inhalingaerosol. Further, the puff detector 51 can detect time required per onepuff action of inhaling aerosol.

The light-emitting element control unit 52 is connected to thelight-emitting element 40 and the puff detector 51, and controls thelight-emitting element 40. Specifically, the light-emitting elementcontrol unit 52 controls the light-emitting element 40 in a firstlight-emitting mode, in a puff state inhaling an aerosol. On the otherhand, the light-emitting element control unit 52 controls thelight-emitting element 40 in a second light-emitting mode different fromthe first light-emitting mode, in a non-puff state not inhaling anaerosol.

Here, a light-emitting mode is defined by combination of parameters suchas the amount of light of the light-emitting element 40, the number oflight-emitting elements 40 in a lighting state, a color of thelight-emitting element 40, and a cycle of repeating turning on andturning off of the light-emitting element 40. A different light-emittingmode means a light-emitting mode that any of the above parameters isdifferent.

In the first embodiment, a second light-emitting mode changes accordingto the number of puff actions of inhaling aerosol. A firstlight-emitting mode may change according to the number of puff actionsof inhaling aerosol, or may be constant without depending on the numberof puff actions of inhaling aerosol.

For example, the first light-emitting mode is such a mode for lighting ared light-emitting element 40 to simulate a feeling of a generalcigarette that generates an aerosol along with burning. The firstlight-emitting mode is preferably such a mode for continuously lightingthe light-emitting element 40. The first light-emitting mode may be amode of repeating turning on and turning off of the light-emittingelement 40 at a first cycle. Preferably, the first light-emitting modemay be a mode for lighting a color different from a color of burning ageneral cigarette, i.e. a green light-emitting element 40, when emphasison the use of the non-burning type flavor inhaler which is differentfrom the cigarette.

For example, the second light-emitting mode is such a mode for lightinga color different from the first light-emitting mode, i.e. a bluelight-emitting element 40 to notify a user that an aerosol source is notheated. The second light-emitting mode may be a mode of repeatingturning on and turning off of the light-emitting element 40 at a secondcycle different from the first cycle. For example, the secondlight-emitting mode may be a mode of repeating turning on and turningoff of the light-emitting element 40 at a second cycle longer than thefirst cycle. In such a case, the second light-emitting mode may involvea color same as or different from the first light-emitting mode.

As described above, the second light-emitting mode changes according tothe number of puff actions of inhaling aerosol.

For example, the second light-emitting mode may be a mode of increasingthe number of the light-emitting elements 40 by adjusting the poweramount supplied to the light-emitting element 40 along with an increasein the number of puff actions. For example, the light-emitting elementcontrol unit 52 controls one light-emitting element 40 in the secondlight-emitting mode in a first puff action, and controls twolight-emitting elements 40 in the second light-emitting mode in a secondpuff action. Alternatively, the light-emitting element control unit 52controls the n number of light-emitting elements 40 in the secondlight-emitting mode in a first puff action, and controls the n−1 numberof light-emitting elements 40 in the second light-emitting mode in asecond puff action.

The second light-emitting mode may be a mode for increasing ordecreasing the amount of light of the light-emitting element 40 alongwith an increase in the number of puff actions. Alternatively, thesecond light-emitting mode may be a light-emitting mode for changing thecolor of the light-emitting element 40 along with an increase in thenumber of puff actions.

Even in the case that the first light-emitting mode changes depending onthe number of puff actions, the concept of the change of the firstlight-emitting mode is basically the same as the change of the secondlight-emitting mode.

In the first embodiment, when the number of puff actions of inhalingaerosol reaches a predetermined number (e.g., eight times), thelight-emitting element control unit 52 terminates the control accordingto the first light-emitting mode and the second emitting mode, andcontrols the light-emitting element 40 in an emission end mode.

The emission end mode may be a mode to notify a user of the timing toend a puff action, and is preferably different from the firstlighting-emitting mode and the second light-emitting mode. For example,the emission end mode is such a mode that the amount of light of thelight-emitting element 40 is smaller than that in the first and secondlight-emitting modes and that the amount of light of the light-emittingelement 40 is gradually decreased.

The heat source control unit 53 is connected to the power source 10, andcontrols the power amount supplied to the heat source 80 from the powersource 10. For example, the heat source control unit 53 controls thevoltage applied to the heat source 80 from the power source 10 bycontrolling a DC-DC converter that is added to the power source 10.

First, the heat source control unit 53 increases the power amountsupplied to the heat source 80 stepwise from a reference power amountalong with an increase in the number of puff actions of inhalingaerosol. Thus, it is possible to simulate a feeling of a generalcigarette that generates an aerosol along with burning.

When a puff action is performed after the number of puffs exceeds apredetermined number, the heat source control unit 53 may control thepower source 10 to supply the heat source 80 with the power amountsmaller than the reference power amount. Thus, a user can inhale alittle amount of aerosol even at the timing to end a puff action,increasing the user's satisfaction.

When a predetermined time elapses after the number of puff actionsexceeds a predetermined number, the heat source control unit 53 turnsoff the non-burning type flavor inhaler 100. This suppresses waste ofthe power amount of the non-burning type flavor inhaler 100 due toforgetting to turn off the power.

The heat source control unit 53 may supply the heat source 80 with poweramount smaller than the reference power amount by combining the aboveoperations after the number of puff action exceeds a predeterminednumber, and may turn off the power of the non-burning type flavorinhaler 100 when a predetermined time elapses after the number of puffactions exceeds the predetermined number.

Moreover, the power of the non-burning type flavor inhaler 100 may beforced to turn off by the predetermined action of the pushbutton 30(i.e. an action for long press of the pushbutton 30) regardless of acontrol of the heat source control unit 53. That is, the power of thenon-burning type flavor inhaler 100 may be forced to turn off by thepredetermined action of the pushbutton 30 (i.e. an action for long pressof the pushbutton 30) before the puff action reaches the predeterminedtime.

The heat source control unit 53 preferably increases a gradient of thepower amount supplied to the heat source 80 in accordance with anincrease in the number of puff actions for inhaling aerosol. Here, agradient of power amount is defined by the number of puff actions thatmaintains the constant power amount and by the increment step of poweramount. In other words, along with an increase in the number of puffactions, the number of puff actions that maintains the constant poweramount decreases. Alternatively, along with an increase in the number ofpuff actions, the increment step of power amount increases.Alternatively, along with an increase in the number of puff actions, thenumber of puff actions that maintains constant power amount decreases,and the increment step of power amount increases.

Further, the heat source control unit 53 may control a first mode usinga first reference power amount as the reference power amount and asecond mode using a second reference power amount greater than a firstreference power amount as the reference power amount. As a referencepower amount, a reference power amount of three or more steps may beprepared. In such a case, a reference power amount may be switched byoperating the pushbutton 30. For example, the first mode is selected bypressing the pushbutton 30 once, and the second mode is selected bypressing the pushbutton 30 twice. The pushbutton 30 may be replaced to atouch sensor. By these operations, the power of the non-burning typeflavor inhaler 100 may be turned on. In other words, turning on thepower source and switching the reference power amount may be performedby one operation of the pushbutton 30. The operation of turning on thepower source by operation of the pushbutton 30 may be separated from theoperation of switching the reference power amount.

Second, the heat source control unit 53 controls a standard mode to beapplied to a user whose required time per one puff action of inhalingaerosol is within a standard required time duration, and a reduced modeto be applied to a user whose required time per one puff action ofinhaling aerosol is shorter than a standard required time duration.Here, a standard required time duration means a time duration that thebalance of the inhaled amount of aerosol (TPM: Total Particulate Matter)is particularly excellent.

In particular, in one puff action in the standard mode, the heat sourcecontrol unit 53 controls the power source 10 to supply the heat source80 with a standard power amount in the duration before first durationelapses, and controls the power source 10 to supply the heat source 80with power amount smaller than the standard power amount in the durationafter first duration elapses. The power amount smaller than the standardpower amount is a concept including zero, the heat source control unit53 may immediately zeros the power amount supplied to the heat source80, i.e. may immediately stop the power supply to the heat source 80, inthe duration after the first duration elapses. Alternately, the heatsource control unit 53 may gradually decrease the power amount suppliedto the heat source 80.

Here, the first duration is preferably the same as an end timing of thestandard required time duration. However, the first duration may belonger than the end timing of the standard required time within a rangethat the balance of the supplied amount of aerosol (TPM) is allowed.

On the other hand, in one puff action in the reduced mode, the heatsource control unit 53 controls the power source 10 to supply the heatsource 80 with first power amount greater than the standard power amountin the duration before second duration elapses, and controls the powersource 10 to supply the heat source 80 with second power amount smallerthan the first power amount in the duration until third duration elapsesafter the second duration, and controls the power source 10 to supplythe heat source 80 with power amount smaller than the second poweramount in the duration after the third duration elapses. The poweramount smaller than the second power amount is a concept including zero,the heat source control unit 53 may immediately zeros the power amountsupplied to the heat source 80, i.e. may immediately stop the powersupply to the heat source 80, in the duration after the third durationelapses. Alternately, the heat source control unit 53 may graduallydecrease the power amount supplied to the heat source 80.

Here, the second duration is preferably shorter than a start timing ofthe standard required time duration. In other words, the second durationused in the reduced mode is preferably shorter than the first durationused in the standard mode. The second duration may be included in thestandard required time duration, or may be longer than the end timing ofthe standard required time duration. The third duration is preferablythe same as the end timing of the standard required time duration. Thethird duration may be longer than the end timing of the standardrequired time duration within a range that the balance of the suppliedamount of aerosol (TPM) is allowed.

The second power amount smaller than the first power amount may be thesame as the standard power amount. The second power amount may either begreater than or smaller than the standard power amount.

As described above, as the number of puff actions increases, the heatsource control unit 53 increases the power amount supplied to the heatsource 80 stepwise from a reference power amount. In other words, it isnoted that the standard power amount in one puff action increases alongwith an increase in the number of puff actions.

The heat source control unit 53 may set the standard mode or the reducedmode according by learning a user's puff action. In particular, when thetime required per one puff action acquired by the learning is within thestandard required time duration, the heat source control unit 53 setsthe standard mode. When the time required per one puff action acquiredby the learning is shorter than the standard required time duration, theheat source control unit 53 sets the reduced mode.

In the first embodiment, the atomizing unit 120 is attachable/detachableto/from the electrical unit 110. The capsule unit 130 isattachable/detachable to/from the main body unit including theelectrical unit 110. In other words, the electrical unit 110 can bereused over multiple puff action series. A puff action series means aseries of behaviors to repeat a predetermined number of puff actions.Therefore, by learning the time required per one puff action in a firstpuff action series, the standard mode or the reduced mode may be set insecond and subsequent puff action series. Or, in one puff action series,by learning the time required per one puff action in the first n timesof puff actions, the standard mode or the reduced mode may be set forthe puff actions on and after n+1 (or, N+2) times.

Alternatively, the heat source control unit 53 may set the standard modeor the reduced mode according to the operation of a user. In such acase, a switch for switching the standard mode and the reduced mode isprovided in the non-burning type flavor inhaler 100. It is permitted toswitch the standard mode and the reduced mode in one puff action series.Alternatively, a mode that is set first may be fixedly applied withoutpermitting switching of the standard mode and the reduced mode in onepuff action series.

(Light-Emitting Mode)

Hereinafter, an example of a light-emitting mode according to the firstembodiment will be explained. FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are diagrams showing anexample of a light-emitting mode according to the first embodiment. FIG.4 and FIG. 5 show a case where a user should finish a puff action seriesas a rule when the number of puff actions reaches eight times(predetermined number of times).

First, a first example of a light-emitting mode will be explained withreference to FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, a first light-emitting patternin a puff state is constant without depending on the number of puffactions. On the other hand, a second light-emitting pattern in anon-puff action changes depending on the number of puff actions.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, in the non-buff states #1 to #4, thelight-emitting mode #2-1 is used as a second light-emitting mode. In thenon-puff states #5 to #7, the light-emitting mode #2-2 is used as asecond light-emitting mode. In the non-puff state #8, the light-emittingmode #2-3 is used as a second light-emitting mode. In the 9th non-puffstate or later, the emission end mode is used.

On the other hand, in the puff states #1 to #8, the light-emitting mode#1 is used as a first light-emitting mode. In the 9th puff state orlater, the light-emitting mode #1 may be used as a first light-emittingmode, or a light-emitting mode different from the first light-emittingmode and the second light emitting mode may be used to indicate that thepuff exceeds eight times (predetermined number of times).

The light-emitting modes #1, #2-1, #2-2, #2-3 and the emission end modeare different each other. As described above, a light-emitting mode isdefined by combination of parameters such as the amount of light of thelight-emitting element 40, the number of light-emitting elements 40 in alighting state, a color of the light-emitting element 40, and a cycle ofrepeating turning on and turning off of the light-emitting element 40. Adifferent light-emitting mode means a light-emitting mode that any ofthe above parameters is different.

For example, the light-emitting mode #1 is preferably such a mode forimaging burning in order to simulate a feeling of a general cigarettethat generates an aerosol along with burning. The light-emitting mode#2-1 is preferably such a mode for imaging the beginning of a puffaction series. The light-emitting mode #2-2 is preferably such a modefor imaging the middle of a puff action series. The light-emitting mode#2-3 is preferably such a mode for imaging the end of a puff actionseries. The emission end mode is preferably such a mode to notify a userthe timing to end a puff action.

Second, a first example of a light-emitting mode will be explained withreference to FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, both the first light-emittingpattern in a puff state and the second light-emitting pattern in anon-puff state change according to the number of puff actions.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, in a non-puff state, like the caseshown in FIG. 4, the light-emitting modes #2-1, #2-2 and #2-3 are usedas a second light-emitting mode.

On the other hand, in the puff states #1 to #4, the light-emitting mode#1-1 is used as a first light-emitting mode. In the puff states #5 to#7, the light-emitting mode #1-2 is used as a first light-emitting mode.In the puff state #8, the light-emitting mode #1-3 is used as a firstlight-emitting mode. In the 9th and subsequent puff states, thelight-emitting mode #1-4 is used.

The light-emitting mode #1-1 is preferable such a light-emitting modefor imaging the beginning of a puff action series. The light-emittingmode #1-2 is preferably such a light-emitting mode for imaging themiddle of a puff action series. The light-emitting mode #1-3 ispreferably such a light-emitting mode for imaging the end of a puffaction series. The light-emitting mode #1-4 is, like the emission endmode, preferably such a mode to notify a user the timing to end a puffaction.

In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the case wherethe light-emitting mode in the non-puff state #1 (i.e., the non-puffstate immediately after turning on the power of the non-burning typeflavor inhaler 100) is a second light-emitting mode (light-emitting mode#2-1) is described. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. Alight-emitting mode in the non-puff state#1 may be an emission startmode different from the second light-emitting mode. The emission startmode is preferably such a mode to notify a user that a puff action isready to start.

(Power Control in a Puff Action Series)

Hereinafter, an example of power control in a puff action seriesaccording to the first embodiment will be explained. FIG. 6 and FIG. 7are diagrams showing an example of power control in a puff action seriesaccording to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show a case where auser should finish a puff action series as a rule when the number ofpuff actions reaches eight times (predetermined number of times). Sincepower is not supplied to the heat source 80 in a non-puff state, abehavior of the power source in a non-puff state is omitted in FIG. 6and FIG. 7.

Here, a case where the power amount supplied to the heat source 80 iscontrolled by the voltage applied to the heat source 80. Therefore, thepower amount and the voltage can be considered as the same meaning. FIG.6 shows a first mode (low mode) using a first voltage as a referencevoltage. FIG. 7 shows a second mode (high mode) using a second voltagehigher than the first voltage as a reference voltage. Although thereference voltage is different, the behavior of the voltage applied tothe heat source 80 is the same in the first mode (low mode) and thesecond mode (high mode).

As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the heat source control unit 53 increasesthe voltage applied to the heat source 80 stepwise from a referencevoltage along with an increase in the number of puff actions of inhalingaerosol. In particular, in the puff states #1 to #4, the voltage appliedto the heat source 80 is constant, and a reference voltage is applied tothe heat source 80. In the puff states #5 to #7, the voltage applied tothe heat source 80 is constant, and a voltage that is one step greaterthan a reference voltage is applied to the heat source 80. In the puffstate #8, a voltage that is two steps greater than a reference voltageis applied to the heat source 80. In the 9th or later puff state, avoltage that is smaller than a reference voltage is applied to the heatsource 80.

As described above, the heat source control unit 53 increases a gradientof the voltage applied to the heat source 80 along with an increase inthe number of puff actions of inhaling aerosol.

For example, as the number of puff actions increases, the number of puffactions that maintains a constant voltage decreases. In other words, thenumber of puff actions that a reference voltage is applied is fourtimes, the number of puff actions that a voltage of one step greaterthan a reference voltage is applied is three times, and the number ofpuff actions that a voltage of two steps greater than a referencevoltage is applied is one time. Alternatively, as the number of puffactions increases, the number of puff actions that maintains a constantvoltage decreases. Alternatively, an increase width Y of second timevoltage is greater than an increase width X of a first time voltage.

Thus, the gradient of voltage (81 and 82), which is defined by thenumber of puff actions that maintains a constant voltage and by theincrease width of voltage, increases along with an increase in thenumber of puff actions. In other words, the gradient 82 in the middle ofa puff action series is greater than the gradient θ1 at the beginning ofa puff action series.

In FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the voltage applied to the heat source 80increases in two steps. However, the embodiment is not limited to this.The voltage applied to the heat source 80 may increase in three or moresteps. Alternatively, the voltage applied to the heat source 80 mayincrease in one step.

(Power Control in One Puff Action)

Hereinafter, an example of power control in a puff action seriesaccording to the first embodiment will be explained. FIG. 8 and FIG. 9are diagrams showing an example of power control in a puff action seriesaccording to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show a case where auser should finish a puff action series as a rule when the number ofpuff actions reaches eight times (predetermined number of times).

Here, a case where the power amount supplied to the heat source 80 iscontrolled by the voltage applied to the heat source 80. Therefore, thepower and the voltage can be considered as the same meaning. FIG. 8shows a behavior of voltage applied to the heat source 80 in thestandard mode. FIG. 9 shows a behavior of voltage applied to the heatsource 80 in the reduced mode.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the standard mode, a standard voltage is appliedto the heat source 80 in the duration before first duration T1 elapses.In the duration after the first duration T1 elapses, a voltage smallerthan the standard voltage is applied to the heat source 80.

Here, the case where the first duration T1 is the same as the end timingof the standard required time duration is shown. However, as describedabove, the first duration T1 is not limited to this.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the reduced mode, a first voltage greater thanthe standard voltage is applied to the heat source 80 in the durationbefore second duration T2 elapses. In the duration before third durationT3 passes after the second duration T2, a second voltage smaller thanthe first voltage is applied to the heat source 80. In the durationafter the third duration T3 elapses, a voltage smaller than the secondvoltage is applied to the heat source 80.

Here, the case where the second duration is shorter than the starttiming of the standard required time duration is shown. The case wherethe third duration is the same as the end timing of the standardrequired time duration is shown. The case where the second voltage issmaller than the standard voltage is shown. However, the second durationT2, the third duration T3 and the second voltage are not limited tothose described above.

In the case where the standard mode or the reduced mode is set, the timerequired per one puff action may be changed. Even in such a case, it isnoted that the voltage profile shown in FIG. 8 or FIG. 9 is traced, andthe voltage becomes zero immediately after the end of a puff action. Inother words, because it is sufficient to control the power amountsupplied to the heat source according to a predetermined operation mode,a complex control that continues controlling such supplied amount ofpower based on the airflow (amount of inhalation) is not necessary whilethe power is being supplied to the heat source 80.

(Function and Effect)

In the first embodiment, in a non-puff state not inhaling an aerosol,the light-emitting element control unit 52 controls the light-emittingelement 40 in the second light-emitting mode different from the firstlight-emitting mode. Thus, even in a non-puff state, a user can graspwhether or not the non-burning type flavor inhaler 100 is in a usablestate. Further, as a light-emitting mode in a puff state is differentfrom a light-emitting mode in a non-puff state, it is possible torealize a feeling similar to a general cigarette that generates anaerosol along with burning.

In the first embodiment, the second light-emitting mode changesaccording to the number of puff actions of inhaling aerosol. Thus, auser can easily grasp a progress status of a puff according to thechange of the second light-emitting mode, in a non-puff state easy tovisually recognize lighting of the light-emitting element 40.

In the first embodiment, the heat source control unit 53 increases thepower amount supplied to the heat source 80 stepwise from a referencepower amount along with an increase in the number of puff actions ofinhaling aerosol. Thus, it is possible to bring the aerosol inhalationamount close to a general cigarette that generates an aerosol along withburning, and realize a feeling similar to a general cigarette.

In the first embodiment, the heat source control unit 53 controls afirst mode using a first power amount as a reference power amount, and asecond mode using a second power amount greater than the first poweramount as a reference power amount. Thus, a user can select the amountof aerosol depending on the taste by one non-burning type flavor inhaler100.

In the first embodiment, as the reduced mode is used, even such a userwhose required time per one puff action is shorter than the standardrequired time can increase the satisfaction by increasing a temperatureof the heat source faster than in the standard mode. Regardless of anoperation mode, as the power amount supplied to the heat source isdecreased in duration after the first duration or the third durationelapses, it is possible to prevent inhalation of decomposed substanceand reduction of smoking taste.

In the first embodiment, a predetermined operation mode (standard modeand reduced mode) is prepared, and it is sufficient to control the poweramount supplied to the heat source according to the predeterminedoperation mode. Thus, a complex control that continues controlling suchsupplied amount of power based on the airflow (amount of inhalation) isnot necessary while the power is being supplied to the heat source 80.In other words, it is possible to suppress the reduction of smokingtaste, and to increase the user's satisfaction with a simpleconfiguration.

In the first embodiment, the second duration used in the reduced mode isshorter than the first duration used in the standard mode. Thereby, theexcessive power supply to the heat source 80 can be suppressed, even ifthe user incidentally performs the long period puff action (for example,puff action reaching standard required time duration) when the reducedmode is selected. The excessive power supply to the heat source 80 canbe further suppressed, when the second duration used in the reduced modeis shorter than the starting timing of the standard required timeduration.

In the first embodiment, the push button 30 is provided for switchingturn on and off of the non-burning type flavor inhaler 100. Since theuser can intentionally start or stop the puff action series, it ispossible to realize a feeling similar to the general cigarette thatgenerates an aerosol along with burning (a feeling of drawing line oneach puff action series).

In the first embodiment, the push button 30 is provided for turning offthe non-burning type flavor inhaler 100, thereby the consumption powercan be reduced since the power needs not to be supplied to the sensor 20and the light-emitting element 40 in non-used state of the non-burningtype flavor inhaler 100. On the other hand, even if the push button 30is provided for reducing the consumption power, user can grasp whetherthe non-burning type flavor inhaler 100 is turned on or not by thelighting mode of the light-emitting element 40. In detail, thelight-emitting element 40 lights on in the non-puff stated addition tothe puff state, the user can grasp the turn on of the non-burning typeflavor inhaler 100 if the light-emitting element 40 emits the light, andthe user can grasp the turn off of the non-burning type flavor inhaler100 if the light-emitting element 40 does not emit the light.

[Modification 1]

Hereinafter, a modification 1 of the first embodiment will be described.Hereinafter, differences between the first embodiment and themodification 1 will be mainly described.

Specifically, in the first embodiment, the heat source control unit 53controls the power amount supplied to the heat source 80 from the powersource 10 by controlling the voltage applied to the heat source 80 fromthe power source 10. In detail, the heat source control unit 53increases the power amount (voltage) supplied to the heat source 80stepwise from the reference power amount (reference voltage) along withthe increase in the number of puff actions of inhaling aerosol (see FIG.7).

In contrast, in the modification 1, the heat source control unit 53controls the voltage applied to the heat source 80 from the power source10 by a pulse control, and controls the power amount supplied to theheat source 80 from the power source 10 by controlling a pulse width(duty ratio) of the voltage applied to the heat source 80. In detail,the heat source control unit 53 shortens the pulse width of the voltageapplied to the heat source 80 from a reference pulse width along withthe increase in the number of puff actions of inhaling aerosol (see FIG.10).

In the FIG. 10, a case is shown that the power amount increases betweenthe puff state #4 and the puff state #5 following the case shown in FIG.7. Needless to say that the effect same with the case shown in FIG. 7can be obtained by controlling the pulse width (duty ratio), althoughthe puff states other than the puff state #4 and the puff state #5 areomitted in FIG. 10.

[Modification 2]

Hereinafter, a modification 2 of the first embodiment will be described.Hereinafter, differences between the first embodiment and themodification 2 will be mainly described.

Specifically, in the first embodiment, the heat source control unit 53controls the power amount supplied to the heat source 80 from the powersource 10 by controlling the voltage applied to the heat source 80 fromthe power source 10. In detail, the heat source control unit 53increases the power amount (voltage) supplied to the heat source 80stepwise from the reference power amount (reference voltage) along withthe increase in the number of puff actions of inhaling aerosol (see FIG.7).

In contrast, in the modification 2, the heat source control unit 53controls the power amount supplied to the heat source 80 from the powersource 10 by controlling a time period of the voltage applied to theheat source 80 from the power source 10. In detail, the heat sourcecontrol unit 53 lengthens the time period of the voltage applied to theheat source 80 from a reference time period along with the increase inthe number of puff actions of inhaling aerosol (see FIG. 11).

In the modification 2, the reference time period means the maximum timeof the continuous voltage application to the heat source 80 while theuser continues the puff action. Therefore, the voltage application tothe heat source 80 is stopped when a time that the user continues thepuff action exceeds the reference time period. The first light-emittingmode continues while the puff action of the user continues even if thevoltage application is stopped. Thereby, the effect same with the caseshown in FIG. 7 can be obtained, since the total power amount suppliedto the heat source 80 per one puff action changes.

When the standard mode and the reduced mode are introduced, the firstduration, the second duration and the third duration may be adjusted(lengthened) along with the increase in the number of puff actions ofinhaling aerosol.

Other Embodiments

The present invention has been explained according to the embodimentdescribed hereinbefore. However, the description and drawingsconstituting a part of the disclosure are not to be understood to limitthe invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, andoperational techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure.

In the embodiment, the capsule unit 130 is used as a member forcontaining the flavor source 131. However, the embodiment is not limitedto this. The member for containing the flavor source 131 may be a memberat least having a structure that can deliver the aerosol to the user viathe flavor source 131 (a structure that the aerosol generating sourceand the outlet is communicated via the flavor source), when it becomes ausable state that the member is connected to the main body unit. Forexample, it may be a cartridge. In such a case, the cartridge includes acylindrical member, a pair of filters each provided at respective end ofthe cylindrical member, and a flavor source 131 filled in a spacepartitioned by the cylindrical member and the pair of filters.

Although not specifically mentioned in the embodiment, the number ofpuff actions may be corrected by the value (amount of generated aerosol)defined by the time required per one puff action and by the power amountsupplied to the heat source 80. In particular, when the amount ofaerosol generated in one puff action is smaller than a predeterminedvalue, the number of puff actions may be accumulated by adding apredetermined coefficient α(α<1) to the value multiplied in one time. Onthe other hand, when the amount of aerosol generated in one puff actionis greater than a predetermined value, the number of puff actions may beaccumulated by adding a predetermined coefficient β(β>1) to the valuemultiplied in one time. Namely, the number of puff actions may notnecessarily be an integer.

Although not specifically mentioned in the embodiment, the timing toincrease the power amount supplied to the heat source 80 in powercontrol in a puff action series is preferably synchronized with thetiming to change the second light-emitting mode. For example, as shownin FIGS. 6 and 7, when the power amount (voltage) supplied to the heatsource 80 increases between the puff states #4 and #5, the secondlight-emitting mode preferably changes between the puff states #4 and#5.

Although not specifically mentioned in the embodiment, as shown in FIGS.8 and 9, a voltage smaller than a standard voltage is applied to theheat source 80 in the duration after the first duration T1 or the thirdduration T3 elapses. Even in such a duration, the first light-emittingmode preferably continues.

In the embodiment, there is provided a first mode using a first poweramount as a reference power amount (Low mode in FIG. 6), and a secondmode using a second power amount greater than the first power amount(High mode in FIG. 7). In such a case, a light-emitting mode in thefirst mode may be different from a light-emitting mode in the secondmode. In other words, the first light-emitting mode, the secondlight-emitting mode and the emission end mode in the first mode may bedifferent from the first light-emitting mode, the second light-emittingmode and the emission end mode in the second mode.

Although not specifically mentioned in the embodiment, the switching ofthe puff action series preferably performed as follow.

(a) A case where the non-burning type flavor inhaler 100 automaticallyturned off by the control of the control circuit 50 when the number ofpuff actions in the puff action series reaches the predetermined numberof times

In such a case, the new puff action series starts when the non-burningtype flavor inhaler 100 turned on again.

(b) A case where the non-burning type flavor inhaler 100 automaticallyturned off by the control of the control circuit 50 when the inhalationis not performed for a predetermined period (for example, shortestperiod among “a predetermined number*60 seconds”, “15 minutes” and “atime from when the number of puff actions exceeds the predeterminednumber of times to when it turned off automatically (i.e. the abovepredetermined times)*2”) before the number of puff actions in the puffaction series reaches the predetermined number of times

In such a case, the new puff action series starts when the number ofpuff actions is equal to or more than a switch determination times (i.e.½ or the predetermined times). On the other hand, the previous puffaction series continues when the number of puff actions is less than aswitch determination times (i.e. ½ or the predetermined times).

(c) A case where the non-burning type flavor inhaler 100 forced to turnoff by the predetermined action of the pushbutton 30 (i.e. an action forlong press of the pushbutton 30)

In such a case, the new puff action series starts when the non-burningtype flavor inhaler 100 turned on again. Alternately, it may beselectable for user to start the new puff action series or continue theprevious puff action series when the non-burning type flavor inhaler 100turned on again.

In the cases (a) and (c) described above, the number of the puff actionscounted during the puff action series may be reset at the timing ofturning off the non-burning type flavor inhaler 100. Alternately, thenumber of the puff actions counted during the puff action series may bereset at the timing of turning on the non-burning type flavor inhaler100 again. In the case (c) described above, if a configuration isintroduced that the user can select to start the new puff action seriesor continue the previous puff action series, the number of the puffactions counted during the puff action series may be reset when thenon-burning type flavor inhaler 100 is turned on again and the userselects to start the new puff action series.

On the other hand, in the case (b) described above, the number of thepuff actions counted during the puff action series may be reset when thenumber of puff actions is equal to or more than the switch determinationtimes and the non-burning type flavor inhaler 100 is turned off.Alternately, the number of the puff actions counted during the puffaction series may be reset when the number of puff actions is equal toor more than the switch determination times and the non-burning typeflavor inhaler 100 is turned on again.

In the embodiment, a case is exampled that the pushbutton 30 is providedas a user interface for turning on or turning off the power of thenon-burning type flavor inhaler 100. However, the embodiment is notlimited to this. The user interface for turning on or turning off thepower of the non-burning type flavor inhaler 100 may be a hardwareswitch enables to turning on or turning off the non-burning type flavorinhaler 100 without power consumption.

In the embodiment, the non-burning type flavor inhaler 100 is exampledthat including the pushbutton 30 for turning on. However, the embodimentis not limited to this. The non-burning type flavor inhaler 100 may notinclude the pushbutton 30 for turning on. In such a case, the end of thepuff action series may be notified to the user by only the emission endmode of the light-emitting element 40 instead of turning off thenon-burning type flavor inhaler 100 like the above described embodiment,when the number of puff actions exceeds the predetermined number oftimes and the predetermined time elapses. Similarly, the control may beperformed that the power supply to the heater source 80 is restrictedeven if the sensor 20 detects the user inhalation for a predeterminedperiod (i.e. 5 minutes) instead of turning off the non-burning typeflavor inhaler 100.

Although the heat source 80 is exampled as the atomizer atomizing theaerosol source without burning in the embodiment, the embodiment is notlimited to this. The atomizer atomizing the aerosol source withoutburning may be a unit atomizing the aerosol source by ultrasonic.

It is noted that the entire content of Japan Patent Application No.2013-204196 (filed on Sep. 30, 2013) is incorporated in the presentapplication by reference.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide anon-burning type flavor inhaler that enables a user to easily grasp aprogress status of a puff.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A non-burning type flavor inhalercomprising: a power source a control unit that controls a power amountsupplied from the power source to an atomizer, wherein: modes selectableby a user selected by the use before inhalation, the modes include astandard mode and a reduced mode, the control unit selectively performsthe selected mode by the user among the standard mode and the reducedmode, the control unit, in one puff action in the standard mode,controls the power source to supply standard power amount to theatomizer in a duration before a first duration elapses, the standardpower amount being independent of an amount of actual inhalation, andthe control unit, in one puff action in the reduced mode, controls thepower source to supply a power amount greater than the standard poweramount to the atomizer in a duration before a second duration, thegreater power amount being independent of an amount of actualinhalation, which is shorter than the first duration, elapses.
 2. Thenon-burning type flavor inhaler according to claim 1, wherein thecontrol unit sets the standard mode or the reduced mode according to alearning of the puff action.
 3. The non-burning type flavor inhaleraccording to claim 1, wherein the control unit sets the standard mode orthe reduced mode according to an operation of a user.
 4. The non-burningtype flavor inhaler according to claim 1, wherein the control unitcontrols a light-emitting element in a first light-emitting mode in apuff state inhaling the aerosol, and controls the light-emitting elementin a second light-emitting mode different from the first light-emittingmode in a non-puff state not inhaling the aerosol, and the control unitcontinues the first light-emitting mode even in the duration after thefirst duration elapses.
 5. The non-burning type flavor inhaler accordingto claim 1, wherein the atomizer is a heat source that heats the aerosolsource without burning.
 6. The non-burning type flavor inhaler accordingto claim 1, wherein the control unit selectively performs the selectedmode among the standard mode and the reduced mode, as a mode applied fortwo or more puff actions.
 7. A method used for a non-burning type flavorinhaler, wherein: modes selectable by a user are defined beforehand, themodes include a standard mode and a reduced mode, the method comprisingsteps of: selecting one of the modes with a manually operable switch;and selectively performing the selected mode by the user among thestandard mode and the reduced mode, including: controlling, in one puffaction in the standard mode, the power source to supply standard poweramount to the atomizer in a duration before a first duration elapses,and controlling, in one puff action in the reduced mode, the powersource to supply power amount greater than the standard power amount tothe atomizer in a duration before a second duration, which is shorterthan the first duration, elapses.